Communities rally support for Boston bombing hero

Jeff Bauman Jr., of Chelmsford, seen here with Carlos Arredondo in the moments after the blast, lost two legs.

NASHUA, N.H. -

Support for Jeff Bauman, who was injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, continues to flow in from throughout the world.

Bauman is receiving well wishes both in his hometown of Concord and at the Nashua Costco where he works at the deli. Officials at the Costco report that Bauman is getting dozens of letters each day from people who have been moved by his story.

Those who know Bauman said they just want to keep finding ways to show how much they care. His co-workers have created "Team Bauman" T-shirts and sent him a special photo.

"We're just so proud of him," said Costco General Manager Kevin Horst. "We do consider him a hero, both for what he did for law enforcement, whatever role he played in that, but more importantly, he's a hero for how he's handing this time. He's got such a great attitude."

When Bauman suffered near-fatal injuries in the bombings, many of his co-workers found out when they saw him in a news photo.

"It was just devastating," said Costco employee Lorna Findley.

But from his lowest point, Bauman's positive attitude and the support of those rallying to help him have lifted everyone's spirits.

"I love it. It gives me goosebumps just to talk about it," said co-worker Sarah Webber.

The feeling is the same in the capital region, where the Concord Youth Hockey League, a league Jeff's brothers played in, raised money for the Bauman family.

"In less than eight days, we've raised over $8,000," said Wes Riley, treasurer of the Concord Youth Hockey League. "Three of our girls from the under-12 team went down to Boston, put a jersey on the Boylston Street memorial site saying that the Concord Capitals are with the Bauman family."

Many people are still coming to grips with the tragic marathon Monday, but for now they are focused on Bauman and his recovery.

"You never think anything like this could happen," said Bauman's co-worker, Mike Stuart. "And for somebody that we know and work with and are friends with to be such a hero like he is, it's really amazing."

Bauman's friends are excited he just moved into a rehabilitation center where he will continue healing and begin the process of gaining his upper body strength back. Folks at the Nashua Costco can't wait for him to visit, and the Concord Youth Hockey League will continue to raise money on his behalf.

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